
Nakuru County has recorded a reduction in the number of neonatal and maternal deaths thanks to a new surveillance and response system.
The county’s department of health says that neonatal and maternal mortality rates dropped from a high of 67% to 38 % in a period of three years.
The county adopted the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR)-a critical approach for improving quality of care for maternal and neonatal health which is credited for the reduction.
Perturbed by the high number of neonatal and maternal deaths, the county initiated a targeted implementation of evidence-based interventions to address the underlying causes of maternal deaths.
County Director of Administration and Planning Dr Benedict Osore said the County increased the provision of more blood in hospitals, additional staff members and resources allocation for the Reproductive Mother Newborn Child Adolescent Health program.
He noted other improvements on data systems, data analytics and trainings that enhanced leadership capacities to 68% from 52%.
This was achieved through target sensitization of the County Health Medical Teams (CHMTs) and Sub County HMTs.